Public Health Authority: Older and men more negative to mental illness
Younger women and people with their own experience of mental illness have greater acceptance for mental illness than older people and men, according to a survey by the Public Health Authority.
For example, one of three respondents in the age group 65 to 84 years believes that people with mental illness are « selfish », which is twice as many as in the age group 18 to 29 years. One factor may be that older people have less knowledge of mental illness, believes Hillevi Busch, investigator at the Public Health Authority
– The older age group grew up with mental hospitals and a notion that people with mental illness are « crazy and crazy » can live, even if they no longer think so, says Hillevi Busch, investigator at the Public Health Authority.
Another difference is that men to a greater extent than women respond that people with mental illness have negative characteristics.
– You can understand, if you look at this and other investigations, that men more often have a tougher attitude. But our survey also shows that men have less experience of mental illness, which can affect, she says.
Own experience of mental illness Affects the attitude to it in a more open direction, says Hillevi Busch.
– They have an increased understanding and highlight more positive qualities in people with mental illness, says Hillevi Busch.
But there is an exception. When it comes to living conditions, such as the opportunity to get a job or educate, they believe with their own experience that the conditions are worse for people with mental illness.
– This indicates that it is an actual situation that many people with mental illness are in. A sick leave creates a gap in the CV, which affects the chances of an employment.
One in three believes that drug addiction, followed by alcohol addiction, is self -inflicted. The proportion who believe that stress, depression, suicidal thoughts and anxiety are self -evident varies between 22 and 26 percent.
– We know that there is an ignorance of these diagnoses. It is particularly clear when it comes to alcohol, as some believe it is a lack of character. When it comes to depression, many believe that you just have to get in the collar to get out of it.
In order to counteract negative Attitudes are required that society increases awareness of mental illness, especially in the groups where knowledge is lacking, says Hillevi Busch.
– If the population has negative perceptions about people with mental illness, the victims can start pushing themselves down and think « I might have to move myself up, » she says and continues:
– When you are harsh against yourself, the problems risk worsening.
The same survey was conducted in 2021 and no major changes have taken place. On the other hand, more people now state their own experience of mental illness, and 60 percent in the age group 18 to 29 years find it difficult to talk about their problems.
– It is alarming that no major change has taken place. The media often states that mental illness is more dramatized among young people, but it is not – stigma remains and inhibits them.
